THE BEATLES Please Please Me RARE '63 Decca Contract Press LP

$

110

Decca contract pressings are rare and Please Please Me is the rarest of them all!  So many orders were placed for With The Beatles and Please Please me in 1963 that EMI had to contract out some records to be pressed by Decca. A Decca With The Beatles is much more common which makes these almost impossible to find. The most obvious way to tell the difference is by the large ring indentation on the label. Also, the mother and stampers were done differently as you will see below. This is one for the hardcore collector and these do not come up for auction very often!! 

Matrix Numbers:

Side One:  XEX 421-1N

Stampers(?) 1 11

Side Two: XEX 422-1N

Stampers(?) 14

Vinyl: VG Under normal light only a few light superficial scratches are visible. Under a bright light there are many non-sounding light marks and a couple of small scuffs/scratches. I have not play tested this record but I can't imagine any issues with a well pressed disc with no major flaws like this one. A playcheck is available upon request for audiophile buyers. 

Sleeve: VG to VG+ Original Ernest J Day sleeve is in great condition with only a few thumbnail laminate creases and a slight crease in the upper left hand corner. Corners are rounded somewhat but not too bad at all. The lower left corner does have a small hole showing through but is only visual and very small. Apart from the small "hole" there are no seam splits or any other unwanted flaws. The front picture is still vibrant with a lovely laminate sheen. The rear is also in very good condition with only a small amount of ring wear visible. All flipback tabs are in place and undamaged save the odd mark or tiny crease. Opening edge is remarkably crisp without much wear. The biggest flaw is obviously the sticker where the lovely Susanne MacConnell decided to claim her record. I haven't tried to remove it but I'm sure it could be done easily though would most likely leave a rectangular discoloration which is why I've chosen to leave it. Overall, a very decent example of an early EJ Day sleeve! It is NOT a "Gold Sleeve". 

Labels: VG to VG+ A few spindle trails and wear around the spindle hole are the only issues here. Very nice labels!  The indentation from the Decca press is clearly visible and hasn't torn the labels in the depression ring which is pretty common with Decca pressings. No unwanted writing or marks apart from the ones seen in the pics. 

Inner Sleeve: EX Original Emitex inner sleeve is in Excellent condition with no splits or writing. Doesn't get much better than this.

I have listed this for $110 OBO so make your best offer and I will consider it. 

Shipping is $4 Media Mail within the US. International buyers (from the countries listed) must pay $35 as I will only ship USPS 1st Class International Mail with the Registered Mail option as this is the only way to fully track the package. I ONLY charge what it costs to send and not a penny more. I DO NOT make money on shipping. US buyers this is your chance to own this rarity without the extra expense of international shipping when buying from the U.K.  

I strive for 100% customer satisfaction so please read and view the photos carefully. I will provide a 14 day return period for a good reason. Buyer pays return shipping. Thanks for looking and good luck!!